I have lived in Defiance, Missouri for a few years, appreciate the natural beauty and have met some fine people, mostly at the local watering hole, The Roadhouse. Yet recently, with the launch of my first novel, I’ve discovered a very special local merchant community. They have tucked me and First Rodeo under their wing. Robin White at Robins Nest (I know—wings, bird, robins, angels —it’s for real) has carried First Rodeo for weeks now. Their praise has sold countless books. Now, the Distillery of Defiance has launched their new and delicious vodka, "Judgment Tree," and has partnered with me! How fun could that be? It makes sense if you have read First Rodeo. Kate, the heroine loves her martinis. We'll call these wildly entertaining events the "First Rodeo Judgment Tree Martini Tour." And IT IS our ‘first rodeo,' in publishing for myself, and in distilling spirits for distillery co-owners Chris Lorch and Scott Koziatek.

Dictionary.com defines defiance as “a daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force.” We are guilty as charged! We have banded together, outlaw merchants from the small town of Defiance who have large dreams. Who says we can’t make the big time?

"Judgment Tree" Vodka and First Rodeo

Please join us December 11th 4-6pm a for the very first "Bottle and Book Signing" at Robin's Nest , 2998 S. Hwy 94 (click for map) in Defiance. Meet the posse, do some Christmas shopping, wet your whistle, and checkout Redbooks' “must read”, First Rodeo.

We hit the trail and will have another "Bottle and Book Signing" at Ladue Pharmacy, in Ladue Missouri, December 15thfrom 4-6pm.Stay tuned for more events!